Michael Jackson dies at the age of 50 from a cardiac arrest.  His sudden death is mourned throughout the Caribbean and the world.

"I cried today because Michael Jackson was a father that we all lost!" said Haitian singer/songwriter Wyclef Jean. "He lives forever in my heart. I will never forget the day he came to see me and I played him music. RIP to Michael Jackson my music God."

"Michael Jackson will be missed but never forgotten" said Machel Montana. "Even in death he is able to unite people of all creeds and colours … he is the greatest entertainer that ever lived...he encouraged my dream. So much of what I have done has been inspired and informed by him.”

"I am absolutely heart-broken," exclaimed Nadie Sutherland, "words cannot adequately express the sense of loss that I feel personally at this hour on hearing of the death of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson takes me back to my teenage years at St Andrew High School, when my friends and I would sit under the mango tree and just lose ourselves in his music. What Michael did for entertainment has not been replicated and that will not happen for a long time to come. Very few artistes today can say that in some way they have not been influenced by Jackson. Even our hardcore dancehall and reggae acts, although they refuse to admit, have been influenced by Michael. My only disappointment is that he has not had the opportunity to vindicate himself and silence the critics who have been extremely cruel and evil towards him, and I thought his London concerts would have done that. Anyway, he is in a better place."

"It is very sad to hear of Michael's death at this time." said Wee Pow, Stone Love owner. "I had really high expectations of him making his way back to the top and shutting up all his critics. His death is a great loss to the entertainment industry.

Although allegations of child abuse and eccentricity marred his image, his 45 year span as an entertainer influenced us all.

His music transcended racial and cultural barriers, and won him the adoration of millions.

His successful career remains unmatched to this day.